Experts say the increase in applicants, which has more than tripled in the last five years, stems from getting extra support in the application process.
Higher Education
Coverage of universities, colleges, student issues, and education policy shaping Texas’ campuses, from The Texas Tribune.
Texas State Technical College looks to voters to fund upgrades for old buildings and tools
Proposition 1 would create an $850 million endowment for the college system and its 11 campuses, which are struggling to accommodate a growing student population.
Texas higher education enrollment reaches all-time high
Student enrollment at Texas colleges topped 1.6 million as of fall 2025, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Texas Republicans are redefining higher ed. It’s creating confusion about free speech on campuses.
Some students and professors say recent changes and scandals chill speech at universities. Others argue that conservative opinions can now be shared more freely.
Trans Texas college students bearing more hostility as officials push binary gender definitions
Once considered a safe haven to explore identity, Texas campuses are invalidating and alienating trans people, students say.
Texas AG Ken Paxton to investigate UNT for not disciplining students accused of celebrating Charlie Kirk killing
Paxton called on the university to expel the students. Free speech experts have previously criticized state leaders who laud Kirk as a free speech champion while seeking to discipline those who have celebrated his death.
Gov. Greg Abbott names head of new office to investigate higher ed complaints
Supporters say the office will bring needed accountability to Texas universities, while faculty groups have said that, without due process protections, it is ripe for abuse.
Harrison vs. higher ed: How one lawmaker is weaponizing social media to eradicate LGBTQ+ curriculum
Harrison has been on a crusade against Texas universities, scouring course catalogs and university websites for examples of “gender ideology” or LGBTQ+ curriculum, and riling up his X followers about “liberal indoctrination” on campuses.
Texas State University professor fired again after court revoked initial firing over “inciting violence”
A Texas State spokesperson said Monday evening that the professor’s employment had been “terminated, effective immediately” after a university review.
Texas A&M regents name Christian Hardigree president of newly acquired Victoria campus
System Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Board of Regents chair have stood by the new president amid criticism from some conservatives about her previous work around diversity and equity.

